Ford and its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), recently offered safe driver training and road safety awareness to corporate partners and members of the public through Ford’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme.

More than 50 licensed drivers from corporate partners comprising telecommunications, highway maintenance and utilities companies participated in a free two half-day workshops at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), more than 43 percent of Malaysian drivers use their mobile phones while driving. This means that close to half of all Malaysian drivers are putting themselves and others in danger while behind the wheel.

As such, Ford and SDAC believe the Ford Driving Skills for Life programme will help drivers be more vigilant while on the road which would in turn, reduce the number of road accidents.

The DSFL workshops aim to address various driver risks, such as dealing with unexpected scenarios, speed and space management as well as raise awareness on distracted driving caused by mobile phone use or tiredness.

“Ford Driving Skills for Life provides Malaysian drivers with the tools and resources needed for safe driving. Road safety is a very serious issue and we take pride in our ability to help reinforce this message among Malaysian motorists,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

The programme is conducted through a mix of classroom and practical training sessions where drivers are offered hands-on driving experience.

An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also incorporated as part of the programme. This included having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.

DSFL is Ford’s flagship global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme funded by the Ford Motor Company Fund – the philanthropic arm of the Ford Motor Company. Globally, Ford DSFL is now in its 15th successful year of training licensed drivers of all ages. To date, the program has trained more than 1 million individuals in safe driving practices.